PLACEMENT: Departmental - Quasi-Judicial
TITLE:
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AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION, INC., SEPTIC SYSTEM WAIVER
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
The American Humane Association, Inc., is requesting approval of a waiver pursuant to Policy 10.2A.8.1. of the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, that limits on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems to a total site buildout flow of 2,000 gallons per day. The approximate 13.16-acre property is located at 4903 SE Quail Hollow Street, at the northwest intersection of SW Quail Hollow Street and SW Citrus Boulevard, in Palm City.
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DEPARTMENT: Growth Management
PREPARED BY: Name: Brian Elam, PMP
Title: Principal Planner
REQUESTED BY: The American Humane Association, Inc.
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: Quasi-Judicial
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The American Humane Association, Inc. is requesting approval of a waiver of Policy 10.2A.8.1 of the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan (CGMP), which applies to on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems outside the primary urban service district that exceed a total site buildout flow of 2,000 gallons per day (GPD), not to exceed total site buildout flow of 5,000 GPD.
In January of 2025, the applicant met with staff to discuss conversion of an existing horse barn to an enclosed air-conditioned dog kennel. A mandatory rezoning on the approximate 13.49-acres property from A-2 (Agricultural District) to AR-5A (Agricultural Ranchette District) was approved by the Board on June 17, 2025. The site is currently in review for minor site plan approval to construct a transformative rescue center offering hope and healing for animals and people. The sanctuary will serve as a model for the modern humane society movement, as it will provide a home for animals in need and enhance key programs like disaster response training and on-site service dog training for wounded warriors.
The proposed flows for existing and new septic systems is 3,414 gallons per day, which exceeds the 2,000 gallons per day limit outlined in Policy 10.2A.8.1 of the CGMP. In order to be eligible for a waiver of Policy 10.2A.8.1, the applicant must demonstrate compliance with policy 10.2A.8.9 of the CGMP. As required, the applicant has demonstrated that (i) the proposed system meets all criteria required by the Florida Department of Health and (ii) the system has been located to protect wetlands, wellfields, waterbodies, drainage facilities or other surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. For on-site sewage and treatment and disposal systems adjacent to wetlands, wellfields, water bodies, drainage facilities and other surface waters, a minimum setback of 200 feet has been provided.
The following supporting materials are provided attached to this agenda item:
Waiver Request
Draft Resolution to Approve Waiver
Exhibit A Legal Description
ISSUES:
None
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
Because this request involves the application of a policy specific application and site, it is a quasi-judicial decision. Quasi-judicial proceedings must be conducted with more formality than a legislative proceeding. In quasi-judicial proceedings, parties are entitled - as a matter of due process - to cross examine witnesses, present evidence, demand that witnesses testify under oath and demand a decision that is based on a correct application of the law and competent substantial evidence in the record.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
1. Move that the Board receive and file the agenda item as Exhibit 1
2. Move that the Board approve the waiver of the 2,000 GPD flow limitation, not to exceed total site buildout flow of 5,000 GPD.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
The applicant has paid the $8,750.00 fee for a revised minor final site plan and $290 completeness review fee.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other:
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